MUMBAI: After a prolonged battle with cancer, DraftFCB+ Ulka’s late chairman emeritus Anil Kapoor breathed his last earlier this week. His passing marks the end of an era in the advertising industry. Now, dairy co-op brand Amul has released a poignant topical paying tribute to Kapoor, who was fondly referred to as Billy.

The creative features the advertising veteran in his trademark suit, engaged in a spirited dialogue while the Amul girl listens keenly, taking notes. The words ‘You will always be a part of our famuly – Anil (Billy) Kapoor (1947-2021) ’ are written in the background.

#Amul Topical: Tribute to one of the doyens of the Indian advertising industry... pic.twitter.com/yje34r3tKd

— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) April 13, 2021

Amul shared the topical on its social media, along with the caption: “Tribute to one of the doyens of the Indian advertising industry.”

Kapoor was indeed a part of the Amul ‘family’ – he was the creative brains behind many of Amul’s memorable campaigns, from milk to ice creams, and had a long-standing association with the brand.

Kapoor joined a struggling Ulka in 1988 and scripted one of the greatest turnaround stories in advertising. He was given charge of the situation to stop the exodus of clients and is credited with bringing in a fresh set of talent, including from institutions like the IIMs. Clients who had left returned and he built a leadership team that stuck together for decades.

Kapoor's career in the ad industry extended to over three decades, and under his guidance, Ulka group emerged among the top five advertising agencies of India. Kapoor's held various industry roles, also serving as the chairman of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) between 1995 and 1997. He was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the AAAI in 2013.

The topical is a fitting tribute to a man who mentored many and whose death leaves a huge void in the realm of Indian advertising.